Regretting the wife 227

Regretting the wife 227

Chapter 227 

The heavy rain had delayed all departures, and Briony’s flight was no exception

She’d booked a firstclass ticket, so she waited out the storm in the airport’s VIP lounge

To pass the time, Briony picked up a magazine from a nearby table and began flipping through it absently

Suddenly, the polished toes of a pair of black dress shoes stopped right in front of her

Puzzled, Briony looked upand found herself staring into Stewart’s dark, inscrutable eyes

Her lips pressed together, and her brow furrowed, almost instinctively

A faint, knowing smile played at the corner of Stewart’s mouth. Heading to Silveridge too?he asked

Briony felt a vague but unmistakable sense of foreboding settle in her chest

Judging by your face, I got it right,” Stewart said, his voice low and even. I’m on my way to Silveridge as well.” 

Briony said nothing

He glanced at the empty seat beside her and, without the slightest hesitation, sat down

Are you going for the Antiquarian Society’s documentary shoot?he asked

That’s none of your business,Briony replied coolly, barely giving him a glance before returning to her magazine

After what had happened last time at City Hallthe way Stewart had played her for a foolshe saw no reason to pretend civility anymore

This man was selfish and manipulative, always looking out for himself, always finding new ways to use her. If that was the case, why should she bother maintaining appearances

But she had underestimated Stewart

No matter how openly she displayed her disgust, he seemed completely unfazed

This documentary will also cover some legal issues about protecting cultural artifacts,he continued, as if her rudeness didn’t register. So I’ll be participating in a few segments.” 

Briony’s lips tightened with impatience. She didn’t want to hear any of this

Stewart’s dark eyes lingered on her cold profile, his mouth curving just slightly. You really don’t want to talk to me at all, do you?” 

It’s not that I don’t want to talk to you,” she said, finally lifting her head and taking a steadying breath. Her eyes, icy and bright, locked onto his. If you want to discuss when we’re signing the divorce papers, I’d be more than happy to have that conversation.” 

Stewart raised an eyebrow. Let’s save that for after we get back from Silveridge.” 

She’d expected as much. It wouldn’t be the first time he dodged the issue; she wasn’t about to be fooled by him 

again. 

Calling you despicableis practically You-!Rosita, ever the drama queen, held herself back at the last second, her curse dying in her throat. The next moment, the call cut off

Briony calmly saved a recording of the conversation

She’d hit record the instant she saw Rosita’s name flash on the screen. Dealing with Rosita was like swatting at a persistent flyannoying, gross, impossible to ignore, but ultimately harmless. For a while, Briony had thought simply keeping her distance would be enough. But lately, she’d realized people like Rosita never took a hint; the more you ignored them, the bolder they got

So, Briony had decided she wouldn’t stay silent anymore. Not that she’d stoop to Rosita’s level and start a feudshe didn’t have the energy for petty drama. But as the saying goes, play with fire and you’ll eventually get burned

She was sure of it: Rosita’s comeuppance would come soon enough

That evening, Briony had plans to meet Stella for dinner

Stella’s car pulled up outside just before six. James was with her

Spotting James lounging in the backseat, Briony buckled herself into the passenger seat and turned around. Feeling better?” 

Was discharged today!James declared with pride, chin held high. Dr. Clarke said my recovery was nothing short of miraculous!” 

Briony grinned. That’s the perk of being youngfast healing.” 

Exactly!James leaned forward eagerly. So, what’s for dinner tonight? I’ve been living on bland hospital food for weeks. Tonight, I want real food. Meat. Lots of it!” 

Stella chimed in, How about that bistro we went to last time? Both of you need something nourishingone just out of the hospital, the other expecting. Their menu’s perfect.” 

Briony nodded. I’m good with anything.” 

I’ll defer to Bryn,” James announced magnanimously. Our goddaughter’s needs come first!” 

Stella rolled her eyes at him in the rearview mirror. What if it’s a boy?” 

Don’t jinx it!James shot back, scandalized. I’m sure it’ll be a girlactually, they’ll all be girls, and just like Bryn!” 

Briony and Stella exchanged a look, stifling laughter

Stella couldn’t resist teasing, If all the babies turn out to be boys, Mr. Delaney will be devastated, huh?” 

Stella!James protested, Don’t say thatknock on wood!” 

Their laughter filled the car, the mood light and easy thanks to James’s antics

At the restaurant, the three settled into a private booth and browsed the menu. It wasn’t a weekend, so the food arrived quickly

James dug in with gusto, barely pausing to talk. It was obvious his hospital stay had left him craving a proper meal

In two days, I’ll be off to the middle of nowhere on assignment,Stella groaned, picking at her fork

Briony paused. You’re leaving that soon?” 

What do you mean, you too?Stella frowned. Where are you going?” 

1/2 

19:56 

Chapter 226 

I’m off to Silveridge,Briony explained, glancing at James. My professor recommended me for a documentary shoot about cultural heritage.” 

I heard,James said, swallowing a bite of steak. It’s a national projectfantastic opportunity! Don’t worry about the studio, I’ll keep an eye on things here.” 

Briony had worried James might object, but his easygoing response was reassuring

So you’re filming for the National Cultural Heritage Board?Stella asked, her eyes shining with excitement. Does this mean you’re about to get famous?” 

Briony laughed. Hardly. It’s just a documentary, not my big break.” 

Still beats what I’m doing!Stella sighed. I can’t even enjoy my food, knowing I’ll be stuck in the mountains for a week.” 

How long will you be gone?Briony asked

At least a week.Stella took a sip of tea. Honestly, I don’t want to go, but Quentin asked me personally. I couldn’t say no. The only upside is Dr. Clarke’s going tooat least I’ll have one familiar face around.” 

If Dr. Clarke will be there, I’m relieved,Briony said

Stella shot her a puzzled look. Why’s that? Don’t tell me you secretly expect something from Cedric Clarke?” 

Briony gave her a knowing glance. Stella was completely oblivious to Dr. Clarke’s feelings, but Briony decided not to say more; some things people just needed to figure out for themselves

Besides, Stella had never been interested in romance, and Briony knew that for Stella, hearing about Dr. Clarke’s feelings would only be a burden. Better to let things unfold naturally

The rainy season had arrived

On the day of departure, a steady drizzle pounded the city

Before boarding, Briony called Stella. Stella was just getting on her shuttle bus; once everyone was on board, they’d be off

Be careful in the mountains,Briony reminded her. The weather’s awful lately. Don’t go out at night, and during the day, stick with your teamno wandering off alone, promise me?” 

Alright, alright! You sound more nagging than my mother,Stella said with a laugh. Gotta go, the bus is leaving.” 

Okay.” 

Briony ended the call, pocketed her phone, and headed toward the security checkpoint

Suddenly, a bolt of lightning split the sky, the rain intensifying in an instant

She paused, glancing outside. Cars huddled near the curb, wipers swishing furiously, while travelers dashed for the terminal

Briony stood motionless, her eyelid twitching inexplicably, a strange sense of unease settling over her

19:56 

a compliment,” Briony said, her tone flat

Stewart said nothing, his gaze fixed unwaveringly on her

She hadn’t expected him to act like a normal person. Rolling her eyes, she turned away and focused on her phone instead

A message popped up from James: The rain’s really coming down out there. Has your flight been delayed

Briony typed back a quick Yes.” 

1/3 

19:56

Chapter 227 

Moments later, James’s name flashed on her screen. She answered and walked over to the floortoceiling windows

Any idea when you’ll take off?he asked

Nothing yet. They said there’s lightning, so if it doesn’t clear up, the flight might be canceled. But the rain’s letting up a little now.” 

If it’s canceled, call me and I’ll come pick you up,” James said

Okay.” 

And if it isn’t, call your professor before takeoffhe’ll need to know when to come get you.” 

I know, Mr. Delaney.Briony couldn’t help but laugh. You worry too much. You’ll give yourself gray hair.” 

James snorted. If my goddaughter weren’t in your belly, I wouldn’t even be making this call.” 

Briony smiled, lips pressed together

Behind her, Stewart sat silently on the sofa, never taking his eyes off her

The lounge was quiet. Briony’s conversation was soft, but even so, a gentle warmth crept into her voicea voice that was naturally delicate, with a steady, comforting cadence. It was the kind of voice made for reading bedtime stories

Over the past five years, it had proven to be just that. Irwin, for one, had grown completely dependent on Briony’s nightly readings. Now that she’d moved out, the boy had nightmares almost every night

Thinking about this, Stewart’s eyes narrowed slightly

Briony didn’t talk for long. Once she hung up and turned around, she found Stewart’s dark gaze fixed on her, catching her off guard

She hesitated, then pretended not to notice him, striding right out of the lounge

Stewart watched her leave, his expression unreadable

Briony made her way to the convenience shop and bought a cup of hot milk. When she returned, Stewart was 

gone

She felt instantly lighter, settling into her seat and sipping her drink, enjoying the rare moment of peace

Not long after she finished her milk, an airport staff member approached to let her know it was time to board

On the plane, Briony glanced at the seat beside hersand there was Stewart, once again

Suppressing a sigh, she sat down and ignored him completely. Stewart barely glanced her way before returning to whatever was on his phone

Briony asked a flight attendant for a small blanket, then sent a message to Stella before takeoff

Briony: [I checked the weatherit’s supposed to rain all week. Please be careful!

Stella: [Don’t worry! A few of us have done this two or three times already. They always send us this time of year. It’s just damp, nothing dangerous.

Briony felt a little more at ease

The announcement came over the speakers: please switch your phones to airplane mode

Briony did as instructed, slipped her phone into her bag, and fastened her seatbelt

As the plane taxied and then climbed into the sky, she settled in, pulling on her sleep mask and wrapping herself in the blanket, turning her back to Stewart

10.56

Chapter 227 

Sleep came fitfully. Her dreams were a jumble of flashing images, none of them clear enough to grasp

She woke with a startthe plane was shuddering violently

Briony yanked off her sleep mask

Hey, it’s okay.Stewart’s low voice was surprisingly gentle as his large hand closed over hers, steadying her grip on the armrest.. 

Regretting the wife

Regretting the wife

Score 9.9
Status: Ongoing Type: Native Language: English
Regretting the wife

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